Activity is relatively slow around here this week, and it always puts me in a meditative mood. Thanksgiving is nice because it’s not quite yet the “calm before the storm” which the December holidays represent (right before tax season, as they are). This is a week when I get to gear up … but I do so by looking back.

First, I’m reminded of my firm’s many blessings. For instance, I do NOT take for granted that you have chosen us to walk with you as we give you advice and help take care of your financial picture, especially around tax time. It’s hard to reveal the kind of personal information that you provide to us, and we don’t take it lightly.

This upcoming year, with health insurance concerns playing a new role in the tax return process, I’m again reminded of how precious your trust in us really is. THANK YOU.

And this week, I also look back on the journey to get here. As anyone who runs their own business will tell you, it’s a giant leap to go out “on your own”. I still remember what it was like to take this dream I had for Kyle P Nagy, CPA and put it into reality. I was a little bit scared, and a little bit (a lot) hopeful. I remember the friends and other business-owners who helped me along the way … and how risky it all seemed.

Well, the risk DID pay off, and I’m happy about what we’ve been able to create around here. Now we get to be the ones helping people pursue THEIR dreams.

For a new business owner, the first step seems really big … until the next step comes. And then you realize that running a business is a series of these decisions … you become a good risk-taker, if you stay in it for long.

But it sure helps to have somebody with a cold, clear eye to make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Which brings me to what I’m thankful for this year, as a business owner … and hopefully as your friend.

As I gather at my table with family and friends this season … I am thankful for you — and people like you. Thank you for your trust, for your business year after year … and for making my first step into starting and running a tax firm “way back when” so rewarding now.

And what I’m excited about as we head towards the end of 2014 … well, here’s to helping YOU keep the IRS off your back in 2015!